Zamboanga's hotshot and undefeated Marcial is slated to face Philippine Boxing Federation No. 6 Lightweight contender Jovy Merca, in the 135 lbs,, scheduled for ten rounds, while Canoy who is now in deep training will trade blows with another PBF top-rated contender Rene Bucag in the 127 lbs.

Marcial is fresh from an impressive win on December 12 against a Filipino lightweight star Melvin Ayudtud, who he sent to the canvass in the second round with vicious combinations during a non-title fight that took place in the northern part of the Philippines.

Marcial who owns an unblemished records of 11 wins with 10 knockouts all in the early rounds, captured the WBO regional title in November after knocking out a Thai opponent in round three.

Canoy, on the other hand, captured the WBO Oriental featherweight title after knocking out a Tanzanian fighter Moaja Rajabu, in the ninth round, on July 2008. He successfully defended his title several times one of which was his bout against Thailand boxing star Terdsak Jandaeng.

Although the fight ended in a draw, Canoy showed his skills by counter-punching the Thai opponent—which, according to judges' scorecards barely before the halt of the fight in round three due to accidental head butt, he leads.

Congressman Fabian who is a known promoter and was responsible in bringing up big fights in the Southern Philippines, particularly in Zamboanga's "Asia's Latin City" was cited by international promotional outfits for giving local boxers opportunities to show their wares in the boxing's four corners jungle.

After boxing ruled in the '70s, the sport lost its interest in the city, due to lack of credible promoters and managers. But since Fabian took the realm in 2001, things worked in positively, and again boxing gloves and other equipments be it imitation or authentic are seen selling in the markets and heavy bags are hanging everywhere in the city's villages.

Since Filipino national treasure and current pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao rose to fame in the boxing world, Filipinos interest in boxing has risen to its peak level. Seemingly the Pacman's accolades have opened the door for Filipino pugilists to venture on a higher level of boxing both international and national competitions.

The likes of WBO title holders Anthony "Rocky" Marcial and Eric Canoy, are surely fortunate to taste the opportunities in the boxing world opened before them by the Filipino boxing icons under the wings of their promoters, matchmakers, and managers.